Akhund Forbes demonstrates strength in corporate, commercial and dispute matters. The firm regularly works on a rich pipeline of significant government infrastructure mandates and has extensive experience advising foreign clients on its investments in Pakistan. Rabel Akhund and Sahar Iqbal are the key contacts.
Client feedback
“The proactive quality of service and turnaround time.” – Capital markets
“Timely response, accurate and to-the-point legal opinion and very accommodating.” – Energy
“Very efficient and productive.” – Energy
Rabel Akhund
“Very knowledgeable and extremely approachable.”
“Very responsive and efficient.”
“Highly knowledgeable and reliable.”
Work highlights
Advising China Development Bank as lender to the Ministry of Finance of Pakistan on a $700 million loan to the Government of Pakistan to support it with its balance of payments crisis.
Providing Pakistan law advice to Asia Development Bank in connection with amendment and restatement to the original loan facility which the firm had advised in 2018.
Founded in 1997 by Kairas Kabraji and Salman Talibuddin, Kabraji & Talibuddin is best known for its corporate and dispute resolution work. Kabraji heads the firm’s corporate advisory and transactions practice. He has extensive experience in both domestic and transnational corporate and commercial matters, with a strong focus on project finance, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, capital market transactions, and debt and equity financing. Talibuddin heads the firm’s litigation and dispute resolution practice. He has more than three decades of experience acting in a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters, with a strong focus on commercial litigation and arbitration.
Client feedback
“Kabraji & Talibuddin is highly responsive and delivers high-quality work consistently.” – Energy
Syed Ali Bin Maaz
“Syed Ali Bin Maaz always makes himself available and has incredible understanding and knowledge of the power sector.”
Work highlights
Advising lenders including China Development Bank on the setup of a power plant and a mine project in Pakistan.
Advising Seraph Aviation Management, the asset service provider, in relation to the lease of two Airbus A320-200 aircraft to Pakistan International Airlines.
Key clients
Agricultural Bank of China, Habib Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.
Founded in 1997 by Kairas Kabraji and Salman Talibuddin, Kabraji & Talibuddin is best known for its corporate and dispute resolution work. Kabraji heads the firm’s corporate advisory and transactions practice. He has extensive experience in both domestic and transnational corporate and commercial matters, with a strong focus on project finance, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, capital market transactions, and debt and equity financing. Talibuddin heads the firm’s litigation and dispute resolution practice. He has more than three decades of experience acting in a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters, with a strong focus on commercial litigation and arbitration.
Client feedback
“Kabraji & Talibuddin is highly responsive and delivers high-quality work consistently.” – Energy
Syed Ali Bin Maaz
“Syed Ali Bin Maaz always makes himself available and has incredible understanding and knowledge of the power sector.”
Work highlights
Acted as local counsel for the joint bookrunners, including JP Morgan, on the issuance of green bonds by the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority and the government of Pakistan.
Key clients
Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered.
Akhund Forbes demonstrates strength in corporate, commercial and dispute matters. The firm regularly works on a rich pipeline of significant government infrastructure mandates and has extensive experience advising foreign clients on its investments in Pakistan. Rabel Akhund and Sahar Iqbal are the key contacts.
Client feedback
“The proactive quality of service and turnaround time.” – Capital markets
“Timely response, accurate and to-the-point legal opinion and very accommodating.” – Energy
“Very efficient and productive.” – Energy
Rabel Akhund
“Very knowledgeable and extremely approachable.”
“Very responsive and efficient.”
“Highly knowledgeable and reliable.”
Work highlights
Advised the sponsors of NDC Group on the sale of 100% of their stake in NDC, a leading Asian IT company headquartered in Pakistan, in a cash and share swap consideration deal.
Advising Globalization Partners on market entry in Pakistan, including setting up and capitalising a corporate vehicle, HR and employment matters and providing incidental legal and regulatory advice.
Advising the Privatisation Commission of Pakistan, as part of the winning consortium led by Credit Suisse (Singapore), on the privatisation of two RLNG-based power plants through a strategic sale.
Founded in 1997 by Kairas Kabraji and Salman Talibuddin, Kabraji & Talibuddin is best known for its corporate and dispute resolution work. Kabraji heads the firm’s corporate advisory and transactions practice. He has extensive experience in both domestic and transnational corporate and commercial matters, with a strong focus on project finance, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, capital market transactions, and debt and equity financing. Talibuddin heads the firm’s litigation and dispute resolution practice. He has more than three decades of experience acting in a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters, with a strong focus on commercial litigation and arbitration.
Client feedback
“Kabraji & Talibuddin is highly responsive and delivers high-quality work consistently.” – Energy
Syed Ali Bin Maaz
“Syed Ali Bin Maaz always makes himself available and has incredible understanding and knowledge of the power sector.”
Work highlights
Acted as local counsel to the shareholders of Channel VAS Investments who were selling their holdings.
Key clients
Manuchar, Zhuhai Huafa Urban Operation and Investment Holdings.
Founded in 1997 by Kairas Kabraji and Salman Talibuddin, Kabraji & Talibuddin is best known for its corporate and dispute resolution work. Kabraji heads the firm’s corporate advisory and transactions practice. He has extensive experience in both domestic and transnational corporate and commercial matters, with a strong focus on project finance, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, capital market transactions, and debt and equity financing. Talibuddin heads the firm’s litigation and dispute resolution practice. He has more than three decades of experience acting in a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters, with a strong focus on commercial litigation and arbitration.
Client feedback
“Kabraji & Talibuddin is highly responsive and delivers high-quality work consistently.” – Energy
Syed Ali Bin Maaz
“Syed Ali Bin Maaz always makes himself available and has incredible understanding and knowledge of the power sector.”
Work highlights
Represented Pegasus Consultancy in a constitutional petition regarding the bidding for service procured by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
Advising Alia Royal Jordanian Airlines on the enforcement of an arbitral award in Pakistan.
Advising Virgin Atlantic Airways on a consumer claim.
Key clients
Hascol Petroleum, International Air Transport Association.
Led by managing partner Imran Nawaz Memon, Nawaz Hussain Sikander is a corporate, commercial and litigation law firm. Its dispute resolution team advises high-net-worth individuals and corporations in a wide range of commercial litigation matters, including contract disputes, commercial lease disputes, tax and custom disputes, joint venture disputes, construction contract disputes and tender disputes. Mir Nasar Ahmad, Ahmed Ali Hussain and Shamail Sikander are other key figures.
Client feedbacks
“The partners at this firm not only have legal knowledge but also have a good understanding of the commercial aspects of the construction business. This attribute sets them apart from other law firms, particularly in matters related to the construction business.” – Construction
“Nawaz Hussain Sikander can foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development of the team and keep them updated with the latest legal developments, enhance their skill and ensure high-quality representation of clients.” – Construction
“The most prominent attribute of this firm is that it secures and prioritises the interests of its clients, dealing with all matters effectively and efficiently.” – Corporate and M&A
“The team at this firm is well versed in all the applicable laws and regulatory frameworks which enables the transaction to be concluded smoothly and in a timely manner. All the members of this firm are very professional and put in all possible efforts for their clients.” – Corporate and M&A
“The team of Nawaz Hussain Sikander consists of a range of individuals specialising in different areas including but not limited to dispute resolution, tax, customs, land, labour, civil and criminal matters. The partners are highly skilled, having knowledge and commercial understanding in all areas of law, which serves to benefit all their clients. They render comprehensive advice and ensure that they always cater to the needs of the client by acting in their best interest and ensure the clients remain satisfied at all stages of the process.” – Dispute resolution
“The firm possess strong research capabilities, allowing them to gather and analyse relevant legal precedents, statutes and regulations to build compelling arguments.” – Dispute resolution
“The firm offers unique solutions to complications arising in our day-to-day business activities. They respond to all issues in a timely manner whilst maintaining a clear line of communication. Their fast-track solutions help in resolving issues promptly. The partners are highly experienced and take a keen interest in the cases of their clients.” – Infrastructure
“The firm embraces technology solutions to streamline operations, improve efficiency and enhance client service delivery. Implementing case management systems, document automation, online client portals and other legal tech tools can streamline processes and improve collaboration within the firm.” – Real estate
“The firm conducts continuous process improvement, regularly assessing internal processes and identifying areas for improvement, streamlining workflows, eliminating inefficiencies, and implementin best practices to enhance productivity and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality legal services.” – Real estate
Ahmed Ali Hussain
“Ahmed Ali Hussain is a highly experienced and commendable litigator in the High Courts of Pakistan. He is extremely well versed in law, with a command of drafting and legal research. He has exceptional speaking and negotiating skills, and providing arguments in front of the relevant forums, such as the High Court, Lower Courts, Banking Court and tribunals, is one of his highly celebrated fortes.”
“Mr. Ahmed excels at analysing complex legal issues, dissecting information and developing strategic solutions tailored to their clients' specific needs. Moreover, he is a skilled communicator who can effectively convey legal concepts and arguments to clients, judges, juries and other parties involved in legal proceedings.”
Imran Nawaz Memon
“He has a keen understanding of the client's perspective and diligently ensures that his clients are thoroughly informed about the advantages and disadvantages of the specific matter.”
“Imran Nawaz Memon is exceptional in client relationship management, his knowledge on corporate and industrial matters, his attention to detail, and his listening and communication skills are among his best qualities. His time management skills and capacity to meet deadlines is outstanding. His ability to negotiate and close deals while securing the best interest of his clients is what makes him a suitable choice.”
“Mr. Memon possesses in-depth knowledge of laws, regulations and legal procedures, allowing him to provide accurate and informed advice to clients. Furthermore, he excels at analysing complex legal issues, dissecting information and developing strategic solutions tailored to the clients' specific needs.”
Shamail Sikander
“He always has solutions for every legal and commercial matter related to the construction business. He thoroughly advises his clients on all issues and provides the best solutions.”
“He is extremely dedicated to his work and prioritises his clients' interests over everything else.”
“Mr. Shamail is trained to identify legal problems, think critically, and develop innovative solutions to protect the clients' rights and interests.”
“Shamail Sikander's most positive attribute is his responsiveness to the queries of his clients. He provides the most effective and fast-track solutions to all his clients, understanding the critical nature of the issue at hand and providing logical explanations to solve them.”
Work highlights
Representing and advising Ahsanabad Cooperative Housing Society, the plaintiff, in a suit for declaration, injunction, possession and damages in the High Court of Sindh. The plaintiff owns a cooperative housing society which was exchanged for purchased land by the Government of Sindh.
Representing and advising Pakistan Refinery in a suit for declaration, damages and recovery of possession instituted against the client.
Key clients
Dolmen Real Estate Management, Karachi Port Trust, Sardar Muhammad Ashraf D. Baluch.
Akhund Forbes demonstrates strength in corporate, commercial and dispute matters. The firm regularly works on a rich pipeline of significant government infrastructure mandates and has extensive experience advising foreign clients on its investments in Pakistan. Rabel Akhund and Sahar Iqbal are the key contacts.
Client feedback
“The proactive quality of service and turnaround time.” – Capital markets
“Timely response, accurate and to-the-point legal opinion and very accommodating.” – Energy
“Very efficient and productive.” – Energy
Rabel Akhund
“Very knowledgeable and extremely approachable.”
“Very responsive and efficient.”
“Highly knowledgeable and reliable.”
Work highlights
Advising the Chinese insurance company, Sinosure, in connection with the Azad Pattan Hydropower Project in Azad Kashmir.
Provided the Central Depository of Pakistan and the Association of Builders and Developers with detailed memorandum which assessed the current legislation, practices and procedures relating to property registration, transfer of property, and other related matters in the province of Sindh for the purposes of digitising all property transactions.
Orr Dignam & Co is among the oldest and largest corporate and commercial law firms in Pakistan. The firm advises clients in various sectors on a wide range of corporate and commercial issues. The firm has seven partners, with offices in Karachi and Islamabad. Key figures include Sajid Zahid and Zahir Riaz.
Work highlights
Advising and acting on behalf of Inter State Gas Systems in the $10 billion Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India gas pipeline project.
Advised Pakistan LNG on the execution of a gas supply agreement with K-Electric.
Key clients
Foundation Wind Energy.
Boutique law firm Ali Khan Law Associates was founded by Ali Khan, former partner of Haidermota & Co. Khan is a reputable projects and infrastructure lawyer who has a track record of handling major PPP projects in Pakistan, including the very first PPP project in Sindh, and is currently acting on upcoming mega energy and infrastructure projects in the country. Muhammad Ghassan Gondal, an associate partner, departed the firm in the last 12 months.
Work highlights
Advised the International Finance Corporation in relation to the 65 MGD bulk water supply project to be established in Karachi, Sindh to overcome the acute water shortage in Karachi and utilise existing resources to supply water to three districts.
Advised the Asian Development Bank on its flagship project to support the creation of an enabling environment for infrastructure financing in Pakistan through capacity building, research and policy advice for supporting legal and institutional frameworks, public private partnerships and public debt management in view of the immense significance of investment in public infrastructure development.
Advised the Asian Development Bank in relation to the 35 MIGD integrated wastewater treatment project seeking to utilise the 35 MIGD effluent and distribute high grade industrial water to consumers in Sindh Industrial Trading Estate, recognised as Pakistan’s first waste-water treatment deal.
Advised Kuwait Investment Authority’s wholly owned subsidiary – Enertech Holding Company – on the landmark water treatment and transportation project with the Government of Sindh for the provision of 45 cusecs of water from Nabisar to Vajihar on a PPP basis, which has received global recognition for its novel transaction structure and nationwide impact.
Key clients
Ciena Group, Faysal Bank, Government of Sindh, Malir Expressway.
A debut entry into asialaw’s 2023 edition, FKM is one of the fastest growing law firms of Pakistan and has developed an enviable contentious and transactional legal practice in the past decade, with particular focus on infrastructure and PPP projects. Omer Farooq is the key contact of the firm.
Client feedback
“They have expertise in PPP transactions.” – Infrastructure
“With immense experience in infrastructure development projects in public-private partnership mode, the firm has excellent insight into the rules and regulations and always delivers in time to the best satisfaction of the client.” – Infrastructure
“The firm is the top law firm of Pakistan for PPPs. Omer Farooq is the premier projects lawyer of Pakistan. Despite having a very busy PPP portfolio, the firm's attention to detail and proactiveness is remarkable. Omer Farooq is supported by a solid team of lawyers, including Waleed Arshad, who are also extremely prompt in their work.” – Infrastructure
“The firm is a frequent collaborator. They are a fantastic projects law firm. Omer Farooq is an absolute treat to work with. His understanding of commercial and structuring aspects of transactions is almost on par with top financial advisers. They have a reputation for being very accessible and highly adept in their practice area.” – Infrastructure
“They are the best infrastructure law firm of Pakistan. They are diligent, meticulous, knowledgeable and professional. They have the vastest PPP and infrastructure experience in Pakistan.” – Infrastructure
Omer Farooq
“He has expert understanding of PPPs and is really good at providing solutions to issues while devising project structure.”
“Highly experienced with excellent insight into rules and regulations, meticulous, always accessible and sincere with the client.”
“Omer is a fantastic PPP/project finance lawyer. In a very short time, he has elevated his law firm to among the top projects/PPP law firms of Pakistan. His commercial acumen, fantastic drafting and negotiation ability, attention to detail and proactiveness are real assets for all clients.”
“Brilliant at structuring, drafting and negotiation of PPP deals. He is a pioneer of sorts for PPP projects in Pakistan.”
“At a young age, Omer Farooq has carved a niche for himself which has brought him in direct competition with the top projects lawyers in Pakistan. His understanding of not just legal but commercial and technical matters is outstanding. He is simply the best projects lawyer in Pakistan.”
“Energetic, problem solver, and has commitment.”
Work highlights
Advised Swat Motorway and Related Tourism Infrastructure Development (Private) and Zahir Khan & Brothers on the construction of a motorway on a public private partnership model.
Advising the syndicate of financial institutions in relation to a financing transaction of a motorway project being implemented on a build-operate-transfer basis under a public private partnership mode.
Advising the Government of Sindh on setting up water desalination plants in Karachi on public private partnership basis.
Key clients
International Finance Corporation, Lyari Development Authority, Sialkot Kharian Infrastructure Management.
Orr Dignam & Co is among the oldest and largest corporate and commercial law firms in Pakistan. The firm advises clients in various sectors on a wide range of corporate and commercial issues. The firm has seven partners, with offices in Karachi and Islamabad. Key figures include Sajid Zahid and Zahir Riaz.
Work highlights
Advised United Bank on the development of a new financial product allowing offshore individuals to invest in local Government of Pakistan bonds.
Advised Citibank on Pakistan banking laws, financial market infrastructure questionnaires, exchange control regulations, International Swaps and Derivatives Association and Global Master Repurchase Agreement matters.
Advised AerCap Holdings on its acquisition of 100% of the shares of GE Capital Aviation Services.
Key clients
dinCloud, Fauji Foundation, Pakistan International Airlines Corporation, Queen’s Gambit Growth, Schneider Electric Industries.
Established in 1956, Saiduddin & Co is one of the most distinguished law firms in Pakistan. The firm offers its clients legal services in corporate and M&A, banking and intellectual property. The firm is famous for its comprehensive knowledge of tax law and its innovation in ideas and solutions. Key figures include Ammar Ather Saeed and Syed Anwar Kashif.
Work highlights
Advised AKD Securities on its acquisition of 77.12% of the shares of BIPL Securities.
Advised Cordoba Logistics & Ventures on the acquisition of Children Clothing Retail.
Key clients
Landmark Spinning Industries, Liven Pharmaceuticals, Mubarak Technologies, Tech Works, Trella Holding.
Full-service law firm Vellani & Vellani is active in banking and finance, corporate and M&A, dispute resolution and intellectual property matters. The firm is particularly strong in Shariah-compliant financing structures and demonstrates strength across numerous sectors. Ameen Vellani and Badaruddin Vellani are key contacts, with partners Fehem Ahson, Danish Zuberi and Javaid Akhtar rising up the ranks. The firm’s dispute resolution team got a boost by the hiring of four associates in October 2022.
Client feedback
“Excellent legal advice. Always very helpful and available for meetings.” – Corporate and M&A
Tariq Nasir
“Very competent lawyer.”
Work highlights
Advised Rentokil Initial Asia Pacific Management on the acquisition by Rentokil Initial Asia Pacific Management of 70% of the total issued ordinary share capital of C-Shine Sustainable Solutions.
Advising Sinovac Life Sciences on the joint venture agreement between Sinovac Life Sciences and United SV Biopharmaceutical and Hong Kong Tantu and the setting up of a joint venture company in Pakistan.
Key clients
Archroma Operations, Avient Corporation, Chevron Pakistan, Petrolube Oil Company.
Led by managing partner Imran Nawaz Memon, Nawaz Hussain Sikander is a corporate, commercial and litigation law firm. Its dispute resolution team advises high-net-worth individuals and corporations in a wide range of commercial litigation matters, including contract disputes, commercial lease disputes, tax and custom disputes, joint venture disputes, construction contract disputes and tender disputes. Mir Nasar Ahmad, Ahmed Ali Hussain and Shamail Sikander are other key figures.
Client feedbacks
“The partners at this firm not only have legal knowledge but also have a good understanding of the commercial aspects of the construction business. This attribute sets them apart from other law firms, particularly in matters related to the construction business.” – Construction
“Nawaz Hussain Sikander can foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development of the team and keep them updated with the latest legal developments, enhance their skill and ensure high-quality representation of clients.” – Construction
“The most prominent attribute of this firm is that it secures and prioritises the interests of its clients, dealing with all matters effectively and efficiently.” – Corporate and M&A
“The team at this firm is well versed in all the applicable laws and regulatory frameworks which enables the transaction to be concluded smoothly and in a timely manner. All the members of this firm are very professional and put in all possible efforts for their clients.” – Corporate and M&A
“The team of Nawaz Hussain Sikander consists of a range of individuals specialising in different areas including but not limited to dispute resolution, tax, customs, land, labour, civil and criminal matters. The partners are highly skilled, having knowledge and commercial understanding in all areas of law, which serves to benefit all their clients. They render comprehensive advice and ensure that they always cater to the needs of the client by acting in their best interest and ensure the clients remain satisfied at all stages of the process.” – Dispute resolution
“The firm possess strong research capabilities, allowing them to gather and analyse relevant legal precedents, statutes and regulations to build compelling arguments.” – Dispute resolution
“The firm offers unique solutions to complications arising in our day-to-day business activities. They respond to all issues in a timely manner whilst maintaining a clear line of communication. Their fast-track solutions help in resolving issues promptly. The partners are highly experienced and take a keen interest in the cases of their clients.” – Infrastructure
“The firm embraces technology solutions to streamline operations, improve efficiency and enhance client service delivery. Implementing case management systems, document automation, online client portals and other legal tech tools can streamline processes and improve collaboration within the firm.” – Real estate
“The firm conducts continuous process improvement, regularly assessing internal processes and identifying areas for improvement, streamlining workflows, eliminating inefficiencies, and implementin best practices to enhance productivity and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality legal services.” – Real estate
Ahmed Ali Hussain
“Ahmed Ali Hussain is a highly experienced and commendable litigator in the High Courts of Pakistan. He is extremely well versed in law, with a command of drafting and legal research. He has exceptional speaking and negotiating skills, and providing arguments in front of the relevant forums, such as the High Court, Lower Courts, Banking Court and tribunals, is one of his highly celebrated fortes.”
“Mr. Ahmed excels at analysing complex legal issues, dissecting information and developing strategic solutions tailored to their clients' specific needs. Moreover, he is a skilled communicator who can effectively convey legal concepts and arguments to clients, judges, juries and other parties involved in legal proceedings.”
Imran Nawaz Memon
“He has a keen understanding of the client's perspective and diligently ensures that his clients are thoroughly informed about the advantages and disadvantages of the specific matter.”
“Imran Nawaz Memon is exceptional in client relationship management, his knowledge on corporate and industrial matters, his attention to detail, and his listening and communication skills are among his best qualities. His time management skills and capacity to meet deadlines is outstanding. His ability to negotiate and close deals while securing the best interest of his clients is what makes him a suitable choice.”
“Mr. Memon possesses in-depth knowledge of laws, regulations and legal procedures, allowing him to provide accurate and informed advice to clients. Furthermore, he excels at analysing complex legal issues, dissecting information and developing strategic solutions tailored to the clients' specific needs.”
Shamail Sikander
“He always has solutions for every legal and commercial matter related to the construction business. He thoroughly advises his clients on all issues and provides the best solutions.”
“He is extremely dedicated to his work and prioritises his clients' interests over everything else.”
“Mr. Shamail is trained to identify legal problems, think critically, and develop innovative solutions to protect the clients' rights and interests.”
“Shamail Sikander's most positive attribute is his responsiveness to the queries of his clients. He provides the most effective and fast-track solutions to all his clients, understanding the critical nature of the issue at hand and providing logical explanations to solve them.”
Work highlights
Advising and representing Sardar Muhamad Ashraf D. Baluch and LRC in the development and construction of the M9-N5 Link Road Project on public-private partnership mode.
Advised and represented Kingsway Retail Management on franchising transactions with Habib Metro to develop, design, construct and operate 100 retail stores under the brand name of “Freshly Ijarco”.
Founded in 1997 by Kairas Kabraji and Salman Talibuddin, Kabraji & Talibuddin is best known for its corporate and dispute resolution work. Kabraji heads the firm’s corporate advisory and transactions practice. He has extensive experience in both domestic and transnational corporate and commercial matters, with a strong focus on project finance, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, capital market transactions, and debt and equity financing. Talibuddin heads the firm’s litigation and dispute resolution practice. He has more than three decades of experience acting in a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters, with a strong focus on commercial litigation and arbitration.
Client feedback
“Kabraji & Talibuddin is highly responsive and delivers high-quality work consistently.” – Energy
Syed Ali Bin Maaz
“Syed Ali Bin Maaz always makes himself available and has incredible understanding and knowledge of the power sector.”
Work highlights
Advised S&P Global on local employment and labour laws in relation to its acquisition of IHS Markit.
